United Way grants worth $400K aim to combat poverty in Georgina, Markham

Yorkregion.com
January 7, 2019
Heidi Riedner

A United Way Greater Toronto investment of $400,000 over the next two years will support two agency-led coalitions in Georgina and Markham.

The goal of the two neighbourhood development grants is to help residents tackle local issues where deepening poverty is being met with a lack of social infrastructure.

They mark an expansion of the Building Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy -- United Way’s place-based approach to fighting local poverty -- into the 905, and a significant increase in neighbourhood investments in York Region.

“We’re so happy to be continuing this resident-led work in York Region,” president and CEO of the United Way Greater Toronto Daniele Zanotti said.

“We know that people want to be heard and be part of the change that’s needed, and together with community partners, faith groups and government, we can work to build infrastructure and combat poverty in all its forms.”

In Georgina, Jericho Youth Services, Routes Connecting Communities and the Georgina Community Food Pantry will work with residents on community-led initiatives that will support people living in poverty, young people struggling to get ahead, and other community priorities.

In Markham, Agincourt Community Services Association will work with Social Services Network, Ebenezer United Church, Family Services York Region and Centre for Immigrant & Community Services to engage local Milliken residents and identify opportunities for partnership and collaboration. Together, these organizations will enable residents to continue problem-solving pressing social issues -- such as how to better support newcomers -- and other community priorities.

“Together, United Way Greater Toronto and the Regional Municipality of York are working to create strong, caring and safe communities by investing in initiatives that connect residents to their communities and make a positive difference in people’s lives,” Wayne Emmerson, chair and CEO of the Region of York, said.

For the past decade, United Way has worked to close the gaps between neighbourhoods that are doing well and those that are falling behind.

In York Region, United Way’s Strength Investments provided initial funding for innovative, community-led solutions in municipalities across the region.

This new investment builds on that work and catalyses community networks in a part of the GTA where deepening poverty is being met with a lack of social infrastructure.